I was a regular here until about a year ago ( review on open table) when I walked out and never went back. It was that bad. A year has passed and looking at recent reviews I saw Donatella was seeming better. Last night, 3/14, my wife and I took a chance and tried it again. Happily, it was great. The noise level is still moderate but they now have a wonderful manager, Fabian, who is keeping the kitchen, bar, and service up to high levels . We had a Hugo Spritz and Sidecar to drink and both good, in fact, my wife said the Hugo was like what see had in Sicily except they used lemon and not lime ( they brought lime out). We ordered, the stuffed artichoke, Pollo Portofino, Vitello Barese and tiramisu for dessert. The artichoke was the best we ever had, like old times. The Portofino was made with smoked mozzerella, as it should be and in the recent past was not. I did not try the veal, my wife remarked it was a bit chewy. The tiramisu was good. Our server was both pleasant and attentive. Food was promptly served. At the meals conclusion, they brought out some amaretto with a coffee bean. A thoroughly enjoyable meal. Definitely will be dining there again. read more

Poor service. The wait staff was absent. As I approached the hosted and gave the name of our party, instead of being escorted to the able, she pointed at it. Things went downhill from there. Two and a half hours for dinner is just unacceptable. The food is good, but not so good that they get a pass on the service. About 15 minutes after our party was fully seated, the waiter shows up to take our drink orders, delivers the drinks and then disappears. Someone else, the Maitre d' maybe, show up to take our order. Both appetizers and entrees were taken. About a half our later the appetizers show up. At this point, the own stops by and asks, "how's everything?". We tell him the service seems a bit slow tonight. At this point, you would think, okay, but no, things got even slower. Took at least another twenty minutes to get the entrees. While people are still eating the bus person starts clearing plates. Reaches right across the person next to me as they are bringing a fork full of food up from their plate. Extremely rude. Entrees clears about fifteen minutes later the waiter shows up to take our desert orders. He was asked to bring the check with the desert. He doesn't. Waiting over twenty minutes for coffee, a slice of cake, a slice of cheese cake and two sorbets. Really? So I ask a member of the staff to have our waiter come right away. Never shows up, but the server did come back with the coffee. The waiter finally shows up with the deserts but no check. Again we complain, this time to the Maitre 'd. Not once did anyone say, sorry it took so long. read more

If you are looking for a welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, delicious food, don't bother coming here. I went here hoping to treat my mom to a lovely Mother's Day dinner- instead what I was left with was waiting to sit (with a reservation) for twenty minutes followed by more than an hour wait for my food. The best part of it was that they added 20% tip on top of my check without even notifying me, on top of the 3% credit card fee that they charge! When did the game for tips change? I believed it was a reflection of the service I wished to show gratitude for. It turns out, this place writes their own rules. It's also worth mentioning that they force you to go through the vale service for a parking lot that is small enough to walk through. I thought vale was also a service I had a choice to choose. Distasteful. Absolutely disgraceful. Certain will not be going there again. Save yourself the trouble and don't go either. read more

impeccable! the ambiance is stunning - definitely recco going during the early evening so you get the element of natural light. i go to a lot of italian joints and i can tell when there's actual authenticity in the dishes and that's exactly what this place was about. i mean every place has spaghetti pomodoro but to serve with garden fresh basil and stracciatella? that's what makes a place great. love the antipasto they put out to start, the bar is also impeccable. definitely get the scallop pasta, linguine alla vongole, and dirty martini ;) read more

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An exquisite experience! The restaurant seating is glamourous inside and out. Huge glass windows wrap around the building giving each seat a wonderful vast view. But the restaurant is not only about looks, the food and service is amazing. The rustic shrimp appetizer and Paglia E'fieno Pasta that includes the squid ink pasta are freshly made and cooked to perfection. The table bread comes with a variety of hot loafs that will tempt your attention before the food starts coming out. The service is impeccable, attentive and so very kind. It would actually be the cherry on top, if it wasn't the desserts themselves. An assortment of pastries, sorbets, and sometimes tartufo. A great way to end an excellent outing. read more

Donatell'a Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Harrington Park, New Jersey

My kids decided to take me out for a nice Mother's Day dinner at Donatell. We had a reservation and were seated about 30 minutes late. What made the situation worst was that the hostess said that we will be seated in a few minutes but later gave the table to another family who had a later reservation. In addition, while looking at the menu, I noticed that their prices on their menu were "VASTLY" higher from the prices on their website. For example, Paglia e'fieno pasta their website was $24 but their menu was $39. Difference of $15. The pasta was delicious but they need to UPDATE their website. Understand that it's Mother's Day and that they are swamped but we waited about an hour for our entrees. Note, the waiter did apologize afterwards. Would I return? I'm not sure. read more

we had the pleasure of dining at donatella's last night. the food and service was amazing. we were with a couple who used walkers. when we arrived we were ushered to their side entrance where they able to enter without climbing stairs. the staff under the guidance of fabian, helped puting the walkers away, puting them in the trunk and helped in every way. the service was just great. will be retiurning. thank you fabian read more

Wow! Fantastic experience. Came for my birthday celebration with my family a few weeks ago and everything was perfect. Great service and delicious food. Already planning our next time back! read more

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These guys were working like madmen on Christmas and they pulled it off. Lots of respect for them all. Was a very nice Christmas dinner there. Well priced wine selection and the bill was the biggest surprise. In a good way. Very tasty entrees, particularly the Lamb chops. These guys worked extremely hard to make every patrons' Christmas memorable. Kudos to the whole staff. We will be back soon! read more

We went on Mother's day. The restaurant is located in a good area and they have their own parking space. Inside is relatively big depending on which area you're seated. Lots of windows to let in natural light. Seating was tight and they did their best to accommodate all of us. Service was decent. Mustve been bec it was a holiday but servers looked like they were on their last leg of patience. They were asking for our drink orders even before we sat down. When we told the server we'd like to be seated all first, she threw a small fit. She probably didnt think we saw her displeasure. She ended up asking another server to take our table. Food was amazing. The stars are for the food. Biggest pet peeve eating at a restaurant is when the server asks how the food is when you just got it 2mins ago. Thats what this server did. Didnt even taste it yet. After that, we only saw him again when he handed us our check. Didnt refill our waters or ask us how we're doing. If I'm paying for these prices, I'd prefer a better experience. A few people I know, had the same issue with the service. I'd come back for the food but definitely on the fence about wanting to deal with their service. read more

We had lunch today at Donatell's in HP. We had a wonderful experience . The food was sensational and the ambiance is classy and quiet. The service was exceptional. The manager was respectful and waited until we finished with our delicious cappuccino. He didn't rush us out since we did stay longer than usual. I would recommend this restaurant to all my friends. read more

Before my brief review, if it matters to you: BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE!!! If you care, DO NOT TRUST THE WEBSITE MENU PRICING. The dinner menus show INCORRECT, MUCH LOWER PRICES! It has been that way for quite a while. Annoying. Since the website menu seemed a little sus, I made a quick phone call inquiring about that. I got a stumbling reply that the prices are "a little bit" higher than advertised. NOT SO. Prices are A LOT higher -- like, $5-7 higher for each entree. Intentional obfuscation notwithstanding, it's still moderately priced. It's a comfortable place. The room is nice, well-appointed. Service is good. Food and drinks are good. So enjoy, just be prepared for low-key sticker shock. read more

I think Donatella's managed to ruin a lot of Valentine's Day dinners. The restaurant wasn't able to manage the valet parking so there was a line spilling 1/4 mile on to Tappan road. It took an HOUR for our car to be parked, and same for everyone else with a 730ish reservation. Obviously that pissed off all of the guests but the cherry on top was the dismissive reaction of the restaurant. With the food just being OK, we will never return. And that's a sentiment shared by the tables to the left and right of us. It was a total disaster and there wasn't a single grown up at the restaurant who took responsibility or at least demonstrated some sense of hospitality. read more

No stars. We had reservations for 2 weeks for New Year's Eve. We never even ate. 8:15 time slot, arrived at 7:00 at 8:40 i asked about a table, was told give us minute. 39 minutes later (9;15) still nothing. We finally said we're leaving (9:45). They in turn canceled my reservation on Open Table, so I couldn't leave a review. We spent a couple hundred just at the bar waiting. All to be disrespected & handled horribly. Poorly managed & understaffed. Why they had a private party in the second dining room on a holiday night is beyond me. Valet parking also said this happens on a regular bases, with people waiting more than an hour with reservations. What's the sense of having reservations? Worst experience read more

Delivery orderrrr on Friday after work!!! My husband and I shared Pollo Portofino and Rigatoni con Malazane and we also had leftovers for other person The chicken was perfectly cooked and delicious; Pasta was fresh and tasty. The amount of every plate is huge. Bread on the side was soft and great. We got an entree with our order: olives, cheeses, pickles, yellow peppers. Thank you guys. We ended with our cravings and starving situation Blessings read more

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I have always gotten their food through DoorDash, and even then it gets four stars, so I'm sure if I ate in house it would be a five, so I give it a FIVE! This place uses grains from its own on-site flour meal to make their pasta and they make it on site! They have an expansive variety of pastas--different pastas, different sauces, various serving styles. There is far to much to fit into a review, so basically: there are vegetarian pastas and meat pastas. The meat pastas always have juicy, well seasoned meat. Many of the dishes also add in delightful accompaniments such as broccoli rabe, shaved asparagus, and fresh peppers, capers, shallots etc. All the dishes are well seasoned. There are dishes with scallop/seasonal seafood, vodka sauces, fresh tomatoes sauces, and various forms of cheese. An expansive appetizer selection: stuffed peppers, fresh clams, octopus, shrimp cocktails, seafood platters, etc. They have veal, chicken, short rib, and lamb dishes as well as a big offering of salads. I would like to visit in person one day because I know the pasta would be even more appetizing fresh in house, rather than after a DoorDash drive. And the restaurant itself is beautiful (I looked up photos)! Big open windows, light and airy. Would be great for a date night or special occasion. Lots to choose from on the wine list too! read more

Donatell'a Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Harrington Park, New Jersey

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Had a great birthday celebration at Donatella's - and the tiramisu was truly the cherry on top! The lovely staff made our night extra special with the birthday candles and song. The restaurant seemed bustling with servers going back and forth, so it was a little difficult for us to get our server's attention - but overall, great food and atmosphere with a wide parking space, which is always a plus. Would love to come again around Christmas time, as the outdoor was so nicely decorated! read more

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The food and service at Donatella's Restaurant are outstanding. Chef Luis is creative and because he puts his own spin on dishes, you'll definitely be in for a treat! We come to this restaurant not only for the food, but to see the manager, Fabian. Fabian always takes the time to talk with us and to make sure our dining experience is not just a good one, but a great one. read more

Food os always solid with great friendly service from Manager Fabian and staff. While waiting for my main course they bring out a nice antipasto with warm homemade bread on the house. I highly recommend. John Paolucci read more

Donatell'a Ristorante - orecchiette alla verona - Italian Near Me - Harrington Park, New Jersey

We had a wonderful private dinner party at Donatella's. The food arrived hot with generous portions and every dish was delicious. The service wa impeccable - attentive without being intrusive. The evening was perfectly paced so we never felted rushed. It made for a relaxed, enjoyable evening for everyone. Highly recommend for a special gathering or even a dinner out! Ask for Fabian - he'll take excellent care of you! read more

Food is great and never disappoints! The staff are all super kind and considerate. Great bartender too!

Do not live in the area. Went there on a recommendation from another local business owner who dines there frequently. So happy we did. We had the Short Rib, Key Lime pie, Lemon Tart (think that was the name) and Cappuccinos. Everything was delicious. The manager, Fabian, was very attentive and accommodating. Will definitely go out of our way to go there again!! read more

We made a reservation for 7:00 PM. We arrived at 7:05PM. Small restaurant with 15 tables. All tables full. We wait until 7:25 PM, but no tables available. Manager says table will be ready soon. We wait until 7:45 PM and still no table. Manager says table will be ready soon, but we can see that no tables will soon be available. We check Opentable which says the restaurant has free tables now - obviously a lie. We make a reservation elsewhere and leave. Donatella's then tells OpenTable that we never showed up so that they don't get dinged. Never going back. They want to keep all their tables full and will tell people they have availability when they don't. read more

You honestly can't go wrong with this spot! The service is always great, the food is even better. Making a reservation is simple and easy online and the free valet is a nice touch. Definitely recommend here for a night out ! read more

most beautiful place to have an anniversary. the ambience was beautiful and service was amazing.

I had my daughters baby shower 1-18-2025 At Donatellas Ristorante Harrington Park, NJ From my first meeting with owner Donny and his wonderful team was truly wonderful. I would give them a 10+ if allowed. Fabian, Marvin and the staff went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful time. Cannot say enough about the food absolutely delicious everyone commented everyone commented as well. Thank you for a beautiful event. I (We) all highly recommend Donatella's read more

Donatell'a Ristorante - 1-18-2025 Donatella Ristorante Harrington Park, NJ Daughter's Baby Shower - Italian Near Me - Harrington Park, New Jersey

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I've been here a few times and every time it's different. There's no consistency. This past Saturday night we decided to eat there. We were suspicious we could get a 7p reservation on a Saturday night, an hour before. The place filled up eventually. The service was attentive. The food was average. Odd that I ordered penne with eggplant (a la norma). It was warm on the bottom but cool on top and they sliced small mozzarella balls on top but they never melted. The burrata appetizer wasn't room temperature. It was cold so when you split it, you wondered if it was just mozzarella. We ordered apple strudel for dessert but either it was in the fridge w garlic or the plate wasn't washed properly so it tasted like garlic. And that just about did it for me. read more

Food exceptional and the service was impeccable! I only regret not coming here sooner! Good job, Donatell'a Ristorante. Owner came around to meet my family. Welcoming staff. The ambiance is really pretty. Be back soon! read more

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1-18-2025 had my daughters baby shower. Wish there was a 10 star surely they all deserve a 10. Food was absolutely delicious, we did change the menu a bit so it would work for our guests. Donny and staff were most accommodating went above and beyond to make the day special. I am so happy I chose Donatella Ristorante to celebrate our special day! New manager Fabian was wonderful to work with along with Marvin and the staff. Thank you again. read more

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We chose Donatell'a for a family celebration, 27 guests. Had been there a few times and the food and service were always fantastic. They have a beautiful private room that more than accommodated our group. They honored all of our requests and were truly a pleasure to deal with. But what made the whole experience really on pointe was the manager, Fabian who was engaged and friendly throughout the night, making sure all ran smoothly. The food, as always, was delicious! Highly recommend! read more

I'm not sure how this place went so completely downhill in a matter of about a year/two years.. Upon entering, the restaurant is absolutely filled to the brim with people - not in a good way. The tables are overcrowding the restaurant and it's a task to get up and walk anywhere. We received one (tiny) complimentary antipasti plate for eight people. It went very quickly. It was tasty, but the portion was funny. For appetizers we got calamari and three orders of the long spicy stuffed peppers (sorry, don't remember what it's called on their menu). These dishes were good but all three peppers were different temperatures. One hot, one warm, and one straight up cold. Most of the people at our table really hated their meals. One of the chicken dishes came with a vodka sauce (not stated in menu, so beware if you can't have it) and had an overwhelming smoky flavor. Really off putting - they didn't take their leftovers home (there was a lot left over) The steak was still mooing. I love medium rare steak - but this was full of fat that hasn't been rendered off and was pretty blue on the inside. The pasta sauce is extremely acidic in every pasta dish. Caesar salad was great! But I can't list that as a redeeming dish due to this supposedly being a higher end italian restaurant. Most restaurants can provide a decent Caesar. Our waiter was very nice - but there were only two waiters for the whole restaurant that night. Crazy. read more

Donatell'a Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Harrington Park, New Jersey

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Fabian and his team always take care of us. Yesterday we had a lovely time on a Saturday early afternoon. All 13 of us. And enough food for some/half of us to take home what we couldn't finish. Thank you very much! read more

We've been coming to this restaurant for some time and it never disappoints. The food is consistently delicious, and the staff is truly wonderful. Fabian took especially great care of us he was attentive, kind,and even made sure my pregnant daughter-in-law was treated to a virgin shot at the end of our meal. It's those thoughtful little touches that keep us coming back. Highly recommend! read more

Had an amazing experience for our anniversary. The Pollo Portofino is absolutely to DIE for! Fabian, the manager and treated us exceptionally well! We live in CT and will absolutely be back to experience the authentic fell here! read more

Lovely food and even more lovely staff ! They were nice enough to bring out a dessert for my birthday. Absolutely recommend Donatell'a.

The food isn't bad, but the price is pretty high. With the price point, I was expecting higher level of service and a cleaner atmosphere. On more than one occasion, we were calling over our waiter asking why there were so many flies around, for more water, or to get our order taken. They weren't busy so such delays were surprising. Also, the ambiance and service didn't live up to the price. The bathroom had tissues and water everywhere (like no one had cleaned it all day), and on the way to the bathroom there were crumbs/pieces of food on the floor. I would recommend servers checking in more and the restaurant increasing their aesthetic/cleanliness. read more

Donatell'a Ristorante - Fettucine Al Crema Prosciutto without the prosciutto - Italian Near Me - Harrington Park, New Jersey

Long wait for our dinner, but the table next to us was even worse they were seated before us and had to ask for the entrees after we got ours! One dish came out wrong, not once but twice. When we asked for a manager we were told they didn't have one! Staff was rude! And we even watched the bartender tell off a waiter for putting his ticket in the wrong spot and then proceeded to not make his drinks! We will not be returning! read more

Great restaurant and location for a party. Pretty space and great food! Would recommend for dinner and also bridal/baby showers

Came here on Mother's Day Weekend. The place was packed. We initially wanted to be seated inside but would have had to wait so opted for the outside patio seating. The patio is really nice. It overlooks their front lawn and while it's nothing grandiose it makes for a peaceful setting. We did have to wait a little bit for the server but I didn't expect anything less on Mother's Day weekend. Our family opted to put the entire order in at once. For appetizers we got the stuffed peppers, calamari, baked clams, and the seafood tower. The stuffed peppers was the favorite of the bunch. I personally didn't get to taste it since it got wolfed down by the other people in the party. Calamari was okay. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the batter that they use. The seafood tower was good. The clam appetizer had great flavors but they should try and use clams that are more consistent in size. I felt jipped when I ate a clam that was half the size of the one that proceeded it. For the main course I got the Veal chop. Everyone else in the group got different pasta dishes. The pastas were all great. I really liked my kids penne Ala vodka. My Veal chop was a bit over cooked. I normally would have complained about it but I give a lot of leeway to restaurants on Mother's Day weekend. For dessert I got the apple straddle which was fantastic. I think the owner stopped by our table which was very nice. Service overall was great given the hectic circumstances of the night. Overall everyone had a great time and a great meal. Normally an overcooked steak would get an axe but we all enjoyed ourselves at Donatellas. You guys get a 5 star in my book. I might be back to do a do over with the Veal Chop. read more

Great food, service, and nicely decorated for Valentine's Day weekend with balloons. Quality of food is always very good, and a comfortable and cozy dining room area with a fireplace is the perfect spot for winter. read more